“I just don’t like the idea of her out there all alone.”
“So, we’ll send the girls. I’m sure Arianne won’t mind going out there and Nora is dying to meet her. They can even take Alessia and Bella.”
“I guess…”
“What is it?” He paused. “What aren’t you telling me?”
Dropping my eyes to the bottle in my hand, I weighed on whether to tell him or not. But I needed to talk to someone.
“I slept with her.”
“Of course you did.” I could almost hear his eyes roll.
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”
“You look at her the way Nicco looks at Arianne. The way I look at Nora. She’s yours, Matt. She just hasn’t figured it out yet.”
“And if I lose her because of this?”
“You won’t.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“You might be a soft pussy, but you still have Marchetti blood in your veins. We don’t give up what’s ours without a fight.”
His words sank into me. Was he right? Was it only a matter of time before Caitlin realized what I already knew?
We were supposed to find each other again. Even in the dire circumstances, we were both supposed to end up right here. Together. I refused to believe it was anything less than Fate working her will.
“I’ll be lucky if she’ll ever talk to me again,” I huffed, draining my beer.
Enzo chuckled again. “So make her.”
It was my turn to roll my eyes. “And how does that go down with Nora?”
“She’d tell you she hates it when I get all bossy, but secretly, she loves it. Gets her all hot for me.”
“Okay, that was too much information.”
“She especially likes it when I tie her up and—”
“Jesus, what is wrong with you? I don’t want to hear your sex stories.”
“Did Caitlin already put your balls in her purse? Because you sound like a fucking pussy.”
“Fuck off,” I grumbled. Just because I didn’t want to share all the details about my sex life. I respected women too much to do that.
“What’s happening there anyway? Shouldn’t you be stalking DiMarco’s?”
“Not a lot, not yet anyway, Anyway, I wanted to speak to you first. Make sure you’ve got your head screwed on right.”
“I feel like I’m losing my damn mind.”
“Women, cous, they’ll do that to a guy.”
“You’ll call me if you find out anything?”
“You know it.”
“And DiMarco?”
“Let’s hope he refuses to give us the intel on Lombardi, so I get the pleasure of reminding him of our agreement.”
“Make it hurt.” I snorted.
“I will. DiMarco will get his, Matt. Whether it’s tomorrow or next week or sometime in the future.”
I dipped my head in an appreciative nod.
A knock at the door startled me, and I padded over to the door to open it.
“Enzo sent reinforcements.”
“Seriously?” I groaned down the line.
“What? I thought she could give you another pep talk.”
“Here,” I said, handing her the phone. “He wants to talk to you.”
“Hi, babe. I’m missing you.” Nora moved deeper into the apartment, dropping her purse on the counter. “Yeah, I miss you too.”
Her voice lowered and I heard her giggle as they exchanged sweet nothings.
Lucky bastard.
Nora let out a soft whimper as he no doubt let her know exactly how much he was missing her.
“Babe, we have company,” she scolded, covering the receiver to mouth, “Sorry, Matt,” at me.
“No apology needed.” I forced a smile. “I actually need to get off soon. I promised Bella I’d pick her and Alessia up and take them for ice-cream.”
“How’re things with Caitlin?”
“Don’t ask.”
“That bad?”
“She’ll come around,” Enzo shouted down the line, so Nora put him on speaker.
“She’s been through a lot. Cut her some slack.”
“I know.”
I did. But that only made it worse. I wanted to help her, to be there for her and support her. I didn’t want to be on the sidelines.
“Gattina, how do you feel about going out to the cabin to spend some time with her and the girls?” Enzo asked. “Matt thinks she could use the company.”
“Hell yes.” She grinned. “Count me in. Some female perspective might help her see things a little differently too.”
“No meddling,” I warned. “She already doesn’t trust me. I don’t need you giving her any more ammunition.”
Nora gasped. “I’m offended you think I’d mess it up. I can be quite persuasive when I put my mind to it. Ask Enzo.” She smirked, and my cousin snorted down the line.
“I think we both know who’s in charge around here,” he said. “I’m telling you, cous,” he added. “If you really think she’s the one, fight for her. Fight until she doesn’t have any choice but to give in to you.”
“Who are you and what have you done with my cousin?” Amusement filled my voice.
“Here,” Nora handed me back the cell phone. “I need to pee. Bye babe, video call me later and we can do that thing.” She took off down the hall and I turned off the loudspeaker.
“That thing?” I muttered. “Please tell me you’re not going to have phone sex while you’re supposed to be scoping out DiMarco?”
“I’m telling you cous, one day, I’m going to marry that woman and put my kid in her stomach.” He let out a contented sigh.
Jealousy snaked through me.
I wanted that.
I wanted it all…
With a woman who probably hated me now.
“You’re not coming inside?” Bella asked as she climbed out of the truck. It was the day after Enzo had suggested the girls visit Caitlin, and I had to admit it wasn’t his worst idea ever.
“No, I… No.”
“What happened with you two anyway? I heard Nicco and Ari talking and—”
“Just adult stuff.”
“Adult stuff. Really, Matt? You’re barely four years older than me.”
“Listen, Bella, I could use your help a little here. Caitlin is… well, she’s pissed at me.”
“And you want me to try to smooth the cracks?”
“Something like that.” Was this what my life had really come to? Asking my little sister to score me brownie points with the woman I couldn’t stop thinking about?
“I only want her safe, Bella. That’s all that matters to me.”
“She’ll come around.” Arabella smiled. “No one can resist your charm for long.”
“Thanks.” I chuckled, but it sounded strained. “Go on, get inside.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to come inside and see her?”
My eyes went to the cabin. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
Sadness crept into my sister’s expression. “Okay. But don’t worry, I’ll work my magic on her.” Bella winked before taking off toward the cabin.